Bromley police officer cleared of wrongdoing after hearing over 'use of force' during Orpington arrest

A panel has found in his favour

A serving police officer who faced allegations that he punched a suspect in the face and used knee strikes against him has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

PC James Smith, based at Bromley, attended a hearing on Monday, November to answer allegations over “discreditable conduct” and “use of force”.

A spokesperson from Met Police said: “The panel considered that PC Smith’s use of force was reasonable and proportionate to ensure the safety of himself, the other officers and the suspect himself.

“It was not unlawful or excessive”.

The allegations arose from an incident in Quilter Road, Orpington, as PC Smith and two other officers carried out the arrest of a 32-year-old man for robbery and assault on police. The man resisted arrest and struggled.

On Wednesday, an independently-led panel found the allegations were not proven.